Rumour Mill: Hearts | Hibs | Beram Kayal | Celtic

The 'second most important day' in Hearts' history. Picture: Ian Rutherford

HEARTS experience ‘second most important day in their history’; Robertson and Tudur-Jones boost for Hibs as Heffernan ruled out; Kayal’s Celtic vow plus Hoops set for Mauritius friendly against Liverpool

Ann Budge on verge of completing Hearts takeover

IT specialist Ann Budge is on the verge of completing her £2.5 million takeover of Hearts after shareholders of Ukio Bankas, the club’s largest creditor, approved the sale of their shares to the Bidco company.

Described as the ‘second most important day’ in the Tynecastle club’s history, the Jambos have taken a huge step away from the prospect of liquidation, and although there are still ‘creases to iron out’ according to Foundation of Hearts chairman Ian Murray, yesterday’s news from Lithuania came as both time and money were running out.

The formal exit from administration may be delayed until June due to complexities and paperwork needing completed, but Murray believes Hearts are on stage ‘four-and-a-half’ out of five. (The Scotsman)

The young striker - who scored against Hearts’ city rivals barely three weeks ago - told STV: “I would say the news today was more than beating Hibs.

“I was really happy for the result we got today. I actually heard it on Twitter and it was great to hear we’re moving forward.”

And Carrick, who earlier this month stated his desire to remain at Hearts, added: “It’s a big positive off the field and it would be great to carry it on until the end of the season and finish on a high.” (STV Sport)

McNamara Sr was relegated with Hibs in 1980, and experienced a play-off for top flight survival with Hibs as Jim Duffy’s assistant in 1997, when the Easter Road side beat Airdrie 5-2 - although they were relegated 12 months later.

“It’s hard to describe just how emotional those games – and the build-up to them – were,” he recalled.

“It was as bad as it gets, easily my worst experience in football. The pressure on everybody concerned – but especially the team from the top division – is immense,” he added.

The father of Dundee United manager Jackie Jr fears for Hibs as they face two crucial matches against St Mirren and Hearts. The Scottish Premiership’s lowest scorers have won just one of their last 14 matches, losing nine, and will see the Buddies move on to the same points if the match at St Mirren Park this weekend ends with a home win.

McNamara Sr added: “The problem is that Hibs are on a bad run and it’s hard to stop that kind of negative momentum because the players will, understandably, be lacking in confidence.”

“At last week’s home defeat by Aberdeen, after Niall McGinn put them ahead then you could see how the young boys, in particular, were affected.”

But McNamara Sr is backing Terry Butcher to lift Hibs, adding that a team-building exercise may be the way to bring the players together. (The Scotsman)

Hibs boosted by player returns but Heffernan out for season

HIBERNIAN have been dealt a blow in their fight to avoid the Scottish Premiership play-off places with the news that striker Paul Heffernan won’t kick a ball again this season.

The former Kilmarnock hitman injured himself in the pre-match warm-up before the club’s 2-0 defeat at home to Aberdeen earlier this month, and it was revealed yesterday that the 32-year-old will miss the end of the season.

However, Hibs were handed a boost with the news that midfield duo Owain Tudur-Jones and Scott Robertson are nearing full fitness. Welshman Tudur-Jones has been involved with the Under-20 side in recent weeks while Robertson has returned to full training - but it is not yet clear if he will make Saturday’s crunch match with St Mirren.

Club captain James McPake is also close to a return to training. (Herald/STV Sport)

The Hoops have agreed to travel to the tropical destination in the Indian Ocean for the match, scheduled for Sunday May 18th, according to organisers.

The Anfield side have already confirmed a seven-day tour if sponsors can secure a deal, with the club’s commercial bosses visiting the island for talks.

Celtic have provisionally agreed to play Brendan Rogers’ men at the Stade Anjalay in Belle Vue Maurel, which holds 30,000.

Mauritian firm Health and Sport are organising the tie, and spokesman Jawid Tharanee said: “Given the friendly relations between Liverpool and Celtic, the Scottish club have agreed to come. They made contact with us and agreed without much convincing. “We had requests from German and Italian clubs to play too, but we are happy with Celtic.” (Various)

Nicky Law looking forward to a rest

RANGERS midfielder Nicky Law has admitted he is looking forward to the end of the season - so he can have a rest.

The ex-Motherwell midfielder has been nominated for the Cheque Centre PFA League One Player of the Year award, and has hardly missed a game for the Gers this season.

Dublin-born Gunning has also been linked with Italian side Palermo, but the 23-year-old - who is out of contract in the summer - refused to be drawn on whether he would stay or go, targeting victory in the Scottish Cup final against St Johnstone.

He said: “I want to win a final now and hopefully it is not going to be my last game for Dundee United.

“Hopefully, I will be here next season. If it is to be my last then it’s a great one to end on.” (Irish Herald)

News in brief

• Dundee are working to strike up an informal partnership with English Premier League side Everton which could see the Toffees’ youth players sent up on loan to Scotland

• Former Hamilton striker Marco Paixao could be set for a shock call-up to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s World Cup squad for Brazil. Uncapped Paixao is the second highest Portuguese scorer in Europe after Ronaldo

• Livingston have announced crippling losses of £365,000 and chairman Gordon McDougall has admitted the club is facing a constant battle to survive